Training – Unarmed techniques

Training notes – Shomenuchi koshi nage (shiho nage form)

One of our favourite throws to practice at the dojo is koshi nage (hip throw). Koshi nage can be applied in response to a wide variety of attacks, incuding where the uke attacks the nage by executing a downward strike to to the temple (shomenuchi).

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on one of the traditional forms of shomenuchi koshi nage as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life. In this particular form the entry is the same as if executing a shomenuchi shiho nage (4 directions throw). For further information on the life of Saito Sensei and his unique access to the Founder of Aikido see the Additional Notes section below.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Learning how safely receive a hip throw

In the below video seniors at our dojo explore the learning progression to safely receive a koshi nage technique.

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro Saito Sensei’s practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history. Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period. Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost. The Aikido world owes him a great debt.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Dojo Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Chest grab deflections – A seio otoshi back up plan

Its great when a chest grab (munadori) deflection works out. However, sooner or later the stars won’t line up and you will be grabbed. One option for a plan B is munadori seio otoshi.

Have a great week

Ian Grant
Head Dojo Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Munetsuki kokyu nage

Traditionally kokyo ho (breath power) techniques were considered to contain the secret of true power in Aikido and were never taught publicly. The Founder of Aikido, Master Morihei Ueshiba, included kokyu ho training in all his classes – a tradition that we also follow in our dojo.

In the below video, Aikido Warrior Dojo seniors are shown practising at ryutai level one of the many variations of munetsuki kokyu nage that are practised in our school. Also included is recent footage of the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama teaching the reitai level of the technique at a class in Japan.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Munetesuki kokyu nage – A kokyu ho perspective

In the below video made by the London Aikido Club, munetsuki kokyu nage is examined from a traditional kokyu ho perspective.

The London Aikido Club studies the Aikido of Morihiro Saito Sensei and generously shares many of its teachings on the web. Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.

All the best

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo, Brisbane

Training notes: Shomenuchi kaiten nage

In modern Aikido kaiten techniques are typically referred to as “wheel throws” because the uke is projected in a wheel like shape. Traditionally, however, they were referred to as “open and turn” techniques. In the text “Budo“, Master Morihei Ueshiba describes kaiten as a turn and transform movement.

In the below video, Morhiro Saito Sensei demonstrates shomenuchi kaiten nage.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Technical instruction

In the below video produced by the London Aikido Club, Andy Hathaway Sensei provides instruction on technical aspect of the technique.

The London Aikido Club shares many of its teachings on the web. Those interested in the study of traditional Aikido as taught by the Founder in the post war period of his life may wish to check out the London Aikido Club’s You tube channel.

Aikido Warrior Demonstration

See below an informal practice session by Aikido Warrior dojo seniors experimenting with alternate applications of shomenuchi kaiten nage including from hamni handachi (nage is kneeling) . The recording was taken after a Saturday morning class.

Shomenuchi kaiten nage – Parrying

For detailed instruction on parrying and balance taking methods for shomenuchi strikes see – Shomenuchi deflections methods.

Oher kaiten nage techniques

For training notes on other applications of kaiten nage see Video Library: Unarmed arts (by technique). Technique groups (e.g. ikkyo, irimi nage etc.) are ordered alphabetically.

Have a great week.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo

Training notes: Yokomenuchi kokyu nage (makikomi)

In the below video Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on 2 traditional versions of yokomenuchi makikomi as practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.

Makikomi (“wrap around”) techniques are most commonly seen used in response to a traditional strike to the side of the head (yokomenuchi). However, they can also be applied to a range of other attack forms. Depending on the school, makikomi techniques are sometimes referred to as another form of kokyu nage (“breath throw”).

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Position of hands at first contact

Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 1)

In the below video Master Koretoshi Maruyama, Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, provides instruction on the Aikido technique yokomenuchi makikomi as practised in Aikido Yuishinkai.

Aikido Yuishinkai (Version 2)

Ian Grant
Dojo Cho
Aikido Warrior Dojo